ERC directs PECO to explain alleged operational lapses

MANILA, Philippines — The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has directed the Panay Electric Company, Inc. (PECO) to explain the alleged operational lapses found by the commission’s inspection team.

ERC said that in an order dated November 26, PECO’s directors and officers were required to explain why no administrative penalty should be imposed and/or criminal action instituted against them for violating pertinent provisions of the following:

• Philippine Distribution Code (PDC) 2017 Edition
• Amended Distribution Services and Open Access Rules (DSOAR)
• Amended Elevated Metering Center (EMC) Rules
• ERC Resolution No. 12, Series of 2009 (Guidelines for the Accreditation of Satellite Laboratories of Meter Shops)

Further, ERC said their inspection team found that:

• PECO’s protective devises were not properly rated and designed
• Some poles were found leaning and in unsafe positions
• Some meters were found to be clustered and installed in an Elevated Metering Center (EMC) without securing prior ERC approval

ERC added that the Certificate of Authority (CA) for PECO’s meter shop already expired on November 18, but the electric company has yet to file the application for renewal of the same.

“Based on the findings of the ERC technical team that conducted the ocular inspection on the electric distribution system of PECO, the latter committed lapses in the operations and maintenance of its distribution system thereby posing danger and risks to the lives and properties of its consumers,” ERC Chairperson and CEO Agnes VST Devanadera said in a statement.

Devanadera said that PECO must submit its explanation within 15 days from the receipt of the order pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).

“We need to accord PECO the opportunity to explain its side before we evaluate the extent of their liability for the operational lapses that were discovered”  Devanadera said.

INQUIRER.net has contacted PECO for comment but has yet to receive a reply as of posting time.